SPEAK WITH K -Spanish STREET SLANG

Only in Spain Will You Hear K-Spanish Slang Words

Despite the fact that the Spanish language is the same everywhere, knowing a specific version of Spanish STREET SLANG(Mexican, Colombian, Puerto Rican, etc.) can provide cultural insight into a given nation. Sticking to one variety might also assist you in developing a more personal relationship with the language.

Estimated reading time: 6 minutes

Castellano, or Castilian, is the Spanish dialect spoken in Spain, and it contains idioms and terms that are not found in any other Spanish-speaking nation. Spaniards have their own unique manner of expressing themselves, as well as their own terminology. When you use castellano slang in Latin America, you could get a puzzled expression or possibly a snicker (see coger below).

Must-Know Spanish Slang Expressions and Words in Spain

Vale
Whether you’re in huge cities like Barcelona or Madrid, or in the country’s coastal or mountain areas, you’ll hear vale in every discussion. It is, nevertheless, quite exclusive to Spain and is unlikely to be heard in other Spanish-speaking nations.

In Spanish, vale is used in the same manner that we say “OK,” “fine,” or “good” in English. It’s a fast way to respond to anything your buddy says to you or to answer a basic inquiry.

Tío / Tía

Whatever dialect of Spanish you study, you will ultimately acquire the terms to and ta. When simply translated into English, they signify “uncle” and “aunt.” This is true regardless of where you are in a Spanish-speaking country. However, Spaniards have given them a new significance.

Unless a Spaniard is referring to their genuine aunt or uncle, these terms are most often an informal way of saying “man” or “girl.” When you hear them, context is key, although it’s typically very straightforward to figure out what they imply.

What happened, to you? Is everything okay? (What happened to you, man? Is everything all right?)
I’m going to be with those hands, okay? (Can you believe I’m going to hang out with those girls?)

Colega

Another term you’ll hear in every Spanish-speaking nation is colega, but its meaning in Spain varies based on the context. Colega often means “colleague” or “coworker” in Spanish. This is true around the world, including Spain. However, there is a more casual sense of the term.

You can call someone your colega if you don’t know them well or if they’re more of an acquaintance than a friend.

Examples: Colega, you’ve forgotten your things. (Hey, buddy, you left your belongings at home.)
I have a colleague that can answer your questions. (I know someone who can answer your inquiries there.)

Mogollón

If you visit Barcelona or Madrid during the summer, you will almost certainly come across a mogollón de guiris. The term mogollón is used in Spanish to denote large quantities of something. It’s comparable to the phrase mucho, but much larger.

However, if you put de before it, the connotation drastically changes. When you say someone performs something de mogollón, you mean they do it for free.

There is a crowd of people in the supermarket today. (There were a lot of people at the grocery store today.)
During the concert, I drank mogollón. (I got in for free to the show.)

Coger

In Latin America, this term frequently makes people giggle. If they see you using it on the street, you’ll surely receive some strange looks! This is due to the fact that it has a sexual connotation throughout Central and South America.

In Spain, though, it is quite acceptable to use it in regular talks. It’s actually rather common! It’s just a verb that meaning “to get” or “to fetch.”

I need to pick up my children from school. (I need to pick up my children from school.)
Can you get me a water bottle? (Could you just grab me a drink of water?)

Guiri

If you’re in a popular part of Spain, you might hear the word guiri thrown about a lot. They could even be talking about you! Guiri is what Spaniards refer to as a tourist.

However, it is not always a bad phrase. Just like in English, calling someone a “tourist” can have positive or negative connotations. It all depends on the situation!

There are a lot of guiris here in the summer. (In the summer, there are much too many tourists.)
Normally, guiris do not speak Spanish. (Most visitors do not speak Spanish.)

Pavos/Pasta 6

Pavos literally translates to “turkeys” in English, but for Spaniards, it may also mean “money.” Before Spain adopted the Euro as its official currency, the 100 peseta coin was known as a pavo. Following the adoption of the Euro, the name persisted and became the Spanish equivalent of “bucks.”

Do You Want to Tapear With Spanish People?

Spain is a country rich in culture and history, with delicious food and friendly people. Speaking the language helps you to embrace all of these aspects and develop a stronger bond with them.

You’ll be able to communicate with native Spanish speakers everywhere you travel if you study Latin American Spanish or Castilian Spanish. Despite the fact that there are significant distinctions between the two, you can converse with locals regardless of the dialect you learn.